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Friday, December 27, 2013

We made these to give out at Christmas but they would make a great sweet for you Valentine too.

This was my first attempt at caramels and when I found this recipe using the microwave, it seemed less daunting if I could do it all in the microwave.

And it was!

To make one batch of caramels, you'll need:

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup butter, plus 3 TBS for buttering the pan

1 can sweetened condensed milk(14 oz)

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

pinch of salt

fine flake sea salt (I used French sea salt but I think Kosher would be fine)

Parchment paper

Candy thermometer (I ended up using my digital meat thermometer because I didn't think the candy thermometer was working)

Start by buttering the sides and bottom of pan. I used a 9 x 13 Pyrex pan.

Cut two sheets of parchment paper to overlap in the pan (for easier removal have the paper extend over the sides. Place first sheet down and butter it, then layer second piece in the opposite direction and also butter that. Basically butter every surface (except the outside of the pan).

Place butter in a 2-3 quart microwave safe bowl, microwave until just melted. Add the sugars, corn syrup and sweetened condensed milk, stir well with plastic spatula.

Step 1: Microwave for 3 minutes.

Remove bowl from microwave and stir.

Keep repeating the steps of microwaving for 3 minutes, removing then stirring.

Do this until the caramel's temperature is 234 F. Mine took about 12 minutes.

You can see the color changing as well.

Whisk in vanilla and pinch of salt.

Immediately pour into prepared pan. Tap the pan gently to remove any air bubbles.

Allow to cool completely elevated on a wire rack. (3-4 hours)

When the candy has cooled completely, sprinkle with sea salt and remove from pan with the parchment paper.

Cut into pieces with a sharp knife (running the knife through a stick of butter helps!).

I got about 60 pieces out of this batch.

Wrap the individual caramels in wax paper squares ( I found this cute gingham wax paper at The Container store). A good size to cut the squares is 4 x 3 inches. Roll up, then twist the ends.

They would be a fabulous gift all packed up like this in a tin.

I packed them up in smaller containers and bags to give out to friends and family.

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That's Me!

Hi! I'm Heather and welcome to my little piece of the internet. I love taking pictures and learning more about photography.
I enjoy decorating my house,blog surfing, traveling,crafting and entertaining as well as all things Disney. Thanks for stopping over. I love comments, they really make my day!